Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception: Blue Scapular Questions

The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception is a private association of the faithful who, living in the world and participating in the spirituality, apostolate, and mission of the Congregation of Marian Fathers, particularly spread devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God and pray for the deceased, while striving for Christian perfection.

To learn more about the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception and its obligations, visit the What is the Confraternity? page.

Can I be invested with the Blue Scapular and NOT be a member of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception?

Yes. Everyone who receives the Blue Scapular belongs to the broadly understood family of the Theatine Fathers and has a share in the spiritual benefits of the Archconfraternity of the Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M. located in the Basilica of St. Andrea della Valle in Rome, which is under the care of the Theatine Fathers.

What are the requirements for being invested into the Blue Scapular?

You should have a desire to:

  • Wear the Blue Scapular day and night
  • Live a life of chastity according to your station in life
  • Show special devotion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the mystery of her Immaculate Conception
  • Pray for the conversion of sinners and for God's mercy on the whole world.

How can I obtain the special graces and indulgences attached to the Blue Scapular?

  • By wearing the Blue Scapular day and night
  • Living a life of chastity according to the duties of his or her station in life
  • Showing special devotion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the mystery of her Immaculate Conception
  • Praying for the conversion of sinners and for God’s mercy on the whole world.

May I be invested with the Blue Scapular and then wear any medal daily?

You may wear either the medal version or the cloth version of the Blue Scapular; however any medal used as a substitute for the cloth scapular must show Jesus and His Sacred Heart on the front and the Most Blessed Virgin Mary on the back. For Confraternity members, the image on the back must be that of Mary Immaculate.

Can I wear the Five-Fold Scapular instead of the Blue Scapular and be admitted into the Confraternity? Or can I wear both scapulars and/or medals?

Yes, however several of the various types of scapulars correspond to the different institutes of consecrated life with which they are associated, and each have their own means of investiture or obligations to follow.

May I wear the Blue Scapular without it being blessed?

Yes, see above for how to receive the spiritual benefits associated with the Blue Scapular, or consider going a step further and joining the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception.

Where did the Blue Scapular originate?

Explore the history of the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, otherwise known as the Blue Scapular on PadriMariani.org.

I already wear the Brown Scapular. Is it beneficial to switch from brown to blue, or wear them both?

You may wear both scapulars as long as you embrace both requirements associated with each scapular.

Do you sell the Blue Scapular in bulk?

No, but you may purchase the Blue Scapular on Shopmercy.org.

If I want to make Blue Scapulars and distribute them, are there specific requirements for the fabric and bands needed? And would I need permission from a religious institute to make them?

There should be two pieces of blue cloth with the image of the Immaculate Mother of God on one side. The Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception use red ribbon to connect the two blue pieces of cloth; however, this is not required or standard.